Apparatus for and method of making a cigarette package construction or the like



Dec. 17, 1968 w. c. WHITAKER 3,416,410

' v I APPARATUS FOR AND. METHOD OF MAKING A CIGARETTE PACKAGE CONSTRUCTION OR THE LIKE Filed May 8. 1967 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

WILLIAM C. WHITAKER BY T. 0%

HIS ATTORNEYS Dec. 17, 1968 w. c. WHITAKER 3,416,410

APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF MAKING A CIGARETTE PACKAGE CONSTRUCTION OR THE LIKE 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May a, 1967 G 4 INVENTOR.

WILLIAM c. WHITAKER mgjA'TroRm-ws Dec. 17, 1968 I w. c. WHITAKER 3,416,410

APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF MAKING A CIGARETTE PACKAGE CONSTRUCTION OR THE LIKE Filed May 8, 1967 --4 Sheets-Sheet 5 g g INVENTOR.

WILLIAM c. WHITAKER 0 I HISYATTORNEYS 63 w. c. WHITAKER 3,416,410 APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF MAKING A CIGARETTE Dec. 17, 19

PACKAGE CONSTRUCTION OR THE LIKE 4 Shets-Sheet 4 Filed May 8. 1967 FIG-9 INVENTOR. WILLIAM C. WHITAKER ms ATTORNEYS United States Patent s 416 410 APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF MAKING A CIGARETTE PACKAGE CONSTRUCTION on THE LIKE William C. Whitaker, Richmond,-Va., assignor to Reyn ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates to an improved apparatus for and method of making packages such as a cigarette package, for example, in which each package is made from a foldable blank in an automatic sequence on an indexing device comprising such apparatus. Each blank is folded about a suitable arbor carried on such indexing device using folding means provided on such indexing device and externally thereof. The improved apparatus comprises a multifunction device which folds one end portion of each blank in overlapped relation against an associated opposite end portion of such blank and then simultaneously holds and heat seals such overlapped end portions together. Further, this invention provides means for automatically moving the heat sealing means away from an associated package in the event the indexing device is stopped for any reason to thereby provide optimum safety.

Cross-reference to related application This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 622,703, filed Mar. 13, 1967, now abandoned.

Background of the invention The making of container means such as a cigarette package, or the like, in high volume production by using a foldable blank wherein portions of such blank are overlapped and suitably heat sealed together to define a given package requires that simple devices and techniques be employed to provide each cigarette package at minimum cost. In addition, the apparatus and method employed must assure that packages can be provided in such high volume production with optimum safety for operating personnel and little likelihood of damage to packaging equipment.

Summary This invention provides an improved apparatus for and method of making cigarette packages, or the like, in large mass production quantities and in a simple and economical manner. In addition, this invention provides means assuring optimum protection for personnel and equipment even under adverse operating conditions.

Other details, uses, and advantages of this invention will become apparent as the following description of the embodiment thereof in the accompanying drawing proceeds.

Brief description of the drawing The accompanying drawing shows a present preferred embodiment of this invention, in which FIGURE 1 is a perspective view illustrating the improved container means of this invention with a portion thereof broken away;

FIGURE 2 is a schematic end view illustrating an exemplary apparatus of this invention used to make cigarette packages;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged perspective view with parts broken away illustrating the principal operating components of the improved apparatus of this invention and particularly showing details of improved multifunction folding, holding, and heat sealing means comprising such apparatus;

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view on the line 4-4 of FIG- URE 3;

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged perspective view schematically showing the improved multifunction folding, holding, and heat sealing means of the apparatus of FIGURE 3 which is mounted separately from a main rotary indexing device of such apparatus; and

FIGURES 611 are schematic end views illustrating the sequence used to form the improved cigarette package eonstruction of this example of the invention and particularly illustrating the action and relative positions of the various moving components.

Description of illustrated exemplary embodiment An improved exemplary container means or cigarette package 20 of this invention is illustrated in FIGURE 1 of the drawings. Package 20 is formed from a generally rectangular blank 21 preferably having a layer of aluminum-containing metallic foil 22 defining its outside surface and an inside surface made of a plastic material which is a heat-scalable material and indicated by the numeral 23. Blank 21 is suitably folded so that opposed end portions thereof indicated by the numerals 24 and 25 are placed in overlapping relation. The overlapped end portions 24 and 25 are heat sealed together using the improved apparatus and method of this invention to provide an improved bond therebetween, as will be described in detail subsequently, to initially form a tubular structure having open ends. After inserting cigarettes within such open end structure, using conventional equipment, such open ends are folded closed and sealed in a known manner to provide end walls each designated by the numeral 26 and shown in the drawings as the top and bottom wall of the improved package 20 of this example. The improved apparatus and method of this invention enable the provision of cigarette packages in a rapid and efficient manner and with comparatively little equipment shut down for maintenance, adjustments, and the like.

Blank 21 may be made of any suitable foldable material having an exposed surface .or layer made of a plastic heat-sealable material. In this example of the invention plastic layer 23 forms the inside surface of the improved package 20, as previously mentioned. Blank 21 may have any number of layers using materials such as metallic foil, paper, plastic, and the like, provided one outside surface or layer of blank 21 is made of a heat-sealable material. It will be appreciated that the use of heatsealable plastic material not only makes possible the improved package construction of this invention but also provides a substantially moisture-proof barrier assuring the cigarettes Within package 20 maintain their freshness.

The exemplary apparatus of this invention is designated generally by the numeral 28 in the drawings, see FIGURE 2, and comprises an indexing device such as a wheel-like structure or wheel designated generally by the numeral 30 which is rotatable about an axis shown at 31 which extends normal to the plane of the drawings. Wheel 30, in this example, has a plurality of twelve stations arranged about its periphery in a clock-like manher and means is provided to enable forming of a separate cigarette package 20 at each station.

An arbor 32 of generally rectangular cross-sectional outline and having the general overall shape of a parallelepiped is fixed in position at each station about the periphery of wheel 30, and a movable U-shaped folding device 33 is supported on wheel 30 at each station for rotation therewith while being adapted to move toward and away from an associated arbor 32. The dimensional configuration of each U-shaped folding device 33 is closely controlled and corresponds to an arbor 32 associated therewith and the thickness of an associated blank 21 to enable forming such blank thereabout as will be described in detail later.

Wheel 30 is suitably rotated about its axis 31 in a clock-wise manner in indexing steps and at a position which will be referred to as the three oclock station a substantially rectangular blank 21 is inserted between a cooperating arbor 32 and folding device 33, see FIGURE 2. Each rectangular arbor 32 has four walls or sides designated respectively by the numerals 34, 35, 36, and 37 about which blank 21 is folded to define a tubular structure having open ends. As shown in FIGURE 3 of the drawings, side 37 is illustrated as the top side or top wall.

Blank 21 is inserted between arbor 32 and folding device 33 at the three oclock station so that it extends radially inwardly toward the center of wheel structure 30 a predetermined amount and positioned so as to define the location along top wall 37 that end portions 24 and 25 of blank 21 will be brought in overlapping relation. Having thus inserted blank 21, the folding device 33 is moved or urged toward fixed arbor 32 thereby bending blank 21 therebetween around three sides 34, 35, and 36 of rectangular arbor 32. The partially folded blank 21 is then indexed to the four oclock position and the terminal end portions 24 and 25 of blank 21 are then folded in overlapping relation and suitably heat sealed together. The improved apparatus of this invention comprises an improved multifunction device to fold, hold, and heat seal end portion 25 against end portion 24 and such device will be described in detail subsequently.

Arbor 32 and folding device 33 are maintained in their urged together position until wheel 30 is indexed to what is illustrated as the twelve oclock position in the drawings at which position the completed package with cigarettes sealed therein is ejected. The clamping means which holds end portions 24 and of each package 20 clamped together is also held and clamped from the four oclock position to the twelve oclock position to allow heat sealed end portions to cool while being held firmly clamped together.

Exemplary apparatus 28 of this invention includes means for folding the remainder of blank 21 not previously simultaneously folded around walls 34-36 around top side or fourth side 37 of arbor 32. The folding action takes place at the four oclock position, as previously mentioned, and will be better understood by first referring to FIGURES 3-5 of the drawings showing the principal components in enlarged view and then referred to the sequential operating steps taking place at the four oclock position and illustrated in FIGURES 6 through 10.

As U-shaped folding device 33 engages blank 21 and folds it around sides 34, 35, and 36 of arbor 32, end portion 24 projects above the top edge of side 34 and hence above top 37 of arbor 32. In a similar manner the end portion of blank 21 having portion 25 adjoining its terminal edge extends beyond the top edge of wall 36 a sufficient amount to overlap end portion 24 adjacent the corner defined by sides 34 and 37 once blank 21 is finally folded in position against arbor 32.

With folding device 33 in its fully extended or actuated position, folding means provided to fold and initially hold the terminal end portions of blank 21 in overlapped relation against top side 37 of arbor 32 is actuated. Such folding means comprises a first device shown as an elongated folding bar 40 having a surface 41 which is arranged to cooperate with wall 34 and a surface 42 arranged at right angles thereto and adapted to cooperate with top wall 37 of arbor 32. As seen in FIGURES 7 and 8 of the drawings, folding bar 40 engages blank 21 and positions end portion 24 against top side 37 of arbor 32 as seen at the four oclock position.

Simultaneously with the folding of end portion 24 in position, action is commenced to fold and hold the remainder of blank 21 and particularly end portion 25 thereagainst in overlapping relation. The folding and holding action for the remainder of blank 21 is accomplished by use of a second multifunction device indicated generally by the numeral at 44, see FIGURES 3 and 5.

Device 44 has an arm 45 which in this example of the invention is a substantially planar flat plate which has heating means such as a side seam heater or heat shoe 46 which is suitably fastened thereto and extends completely across its terminal end. Heat shoe 46 has a tapered terminal end portion indicated generally at 47 and a lower heater surface 48 which is adapted to engage and heat seal end portion 25 of blank 21 against end portion 24 after folding and holding end portion 25 in position.

Arm 45 is fixed to a vertical member 50 along its rear edge in any suitable manner and member 50 is fixed on the terminal end of rod 51 which in turn is fixed in a supporting block 52. Block 52 of this example is supported for movement toward and away from indexing wheel 30 and hence toward the outer upwardly extending portion of blank 21.

As block 52 is moved toward wheel 30, as seen in FIG- URES 7 and 8, heat shoe 46 at the terminal end of arm 45 engages the portion of blank 21 adjoining end portion 25 and folds it toward top surface 37 of arbor 32. As arm 45 reaches its innermost position, blank 21 is folded so that its end portion 25 is overlapped on top of end portion 24 and heated surface 48 of heat shoe 46 engages and heat seals end portion 25 against end portion 24.

Arm 45 is held at its innermost position for a fraction of a second allowing sufiicient time for end portions 24 and 25 to be adequately heat sealed while also allowing a clamping means or device designated generally by the numeral 55 to be clamped in position against end portion 25 to hold end portions 24 and 25 together after withdrawal of arm 45 and heat shoe 46. Clamping device 55 is held firmly clamped in position through subsequent indexing steps of wheel 30 to provide an optimum bond between end portions 24 and 25.

Heated surface 48 of each heat shoe 46 heats a predetermined elongated strip which extends completely across end portions 24 and 25 and the entire heat sealing action takes place at the four oclock position. Also, the tapered end portion 47 of heat shoe 46 assures that clamping device 55 may be easily moved into clamping position without interfering with the action of heat shoe 46. Clamping device 55 and heat shoe 46 are actuated against end portion 25 in a practically simultaneous manner, see FIGURES 8 and 9, and although arm 45 and heat shoe 46 are withdrawn at the four oclock station, clamping device 55 is preferably held engaged until the twelve oclock station when the completely formed, filled, and sealed package is ejected. By holding heat sealed end portions 24 and 25 firmly clamped for a maximum period during cooling thereof, a high strength bond is provided therebetween.

Multifunction device 44 is of simple construction and operation and accomplishes its entire function at the four oclock station. The detailed presentation will now proceed with a description of the remainder of the operating components of device 44.

Device 44 has lever means such as an elongated lever which in this example of the invention is substantially L-shaped. Lever 60 has one end portion shown at 61 which is operatively connected to arm 45 by being connected through a lost motion mechanism 62 to a vertical extension 63 of supporting block 52. Calm follower means shown as a cam roller 64 is mounted at the opposite end portion of lever 60 on a supporting pin or axle 65.

As seen in FIGURE 5, L-shaped lever 60 is mounted for pivoting movement about a pin 66 extending through an opening 67 provided near the junction of the outwardly extending leg portions of L-shaped lever 60. Pin 66 is mounted on any suitable fixed support adjoining the base of apparatus 28 and a fragmentary portion of which is designated by the numeral 68.

Cam means shown as a substantially eccentrically mounted oval cam 70 is provided and rotatably driven at a fixed position adjacent cam follower 64. Cam 70 may be suitably driven through shaft 71 and the rotation of cam 70 is preferably correlated with the indexing movements of indexing wheel 30 comprising apparatus 28. Cam 70 has a peripheral calm surface 72 which is adapted to be engaged by the outer cylindrical surface 73 of cam follower or roller 64.

Positioning means shown as a pneumatic cylinder 75 is provided for positioning cam follower 64 against cam 70. Pneumatic cylinder 75 has a telescoping rod portion 76 extending outwardly therefrom and such rod 76 has a bifurcate terminal end 77.

Cylinder 75 is operatively connected to lever 60 adjacent cam follower 64 by a pin 80 'which extends through aligned openings 81 provided in bifurcate end 77 and a cooperating opening 82 provided in lever 60. Pin 80 is held in position against axial movement in any suitable manner.

Control means is provided for controlling the action of positioning means or cylinder 75 which is preferably an air cylinder and such control means includes an air switcher valve 84 which is suitably operatively connected through air conduit lines 85 and 86 to opposite sides of an axially movable piston slidably supported within cylinder 75 and an electric switch 88.

Valve 84 is of a known construction and has a spring loaded spool, or the like, which normally ports air flow to cylinder 75 so as to retract its rod 76. Valve 84 also has suitable means such as an electric solenoid which is used to override its spring loaded spool and during normal operation of machine 28 ports air flow through valve 84 to cylinder 75 so as to extend its rod end 76 outwardly. Upon actuating switch 88, in a manner as will be subsequently described, the solenoid within valve 84 is energized to extend rod 76 outwardly and cause device 44 to move as determined by cam 70.

Air switcher valve 84 is supplied with air under regulated pressure through conduit means 87. An adjustable air pressure regulator 90 provided in a conduit 87 upstream of valve 84 controls the air pressure within adjustable predetermined limits to assure air cylinder 75 always yieldingly urges cam follower 64 into engagement against cam 70 under controlled force conditions. This controlled force engagement assures smooth operation which is very important in a fast acting packaging machine 28 of this type.

As seen in FIGURE 5, the previously mentioned electric switch 88 is suitably electrically connected to air valve 84 and is also suitably connected to a power source. Switch 88 of this example has a switch contact 92 which extends outwardly from the main body of such switch. Contact 92 is adapted to be engaged by a pivoted lever 93 as it is pivoted from its solid line position shown at 94 to its dotted line position shown at 95.

When pivoted lever 93 is thrown back from dotted line position 95 to solid line position 94 the solenoid in switcher valve 84 is deenergized and the spring loaded spool within valve 84 ports air flow to cylinder 75 so as to retract its rod end 76 causing cam follower 64 to move up. This causes arm 45 to move back or retract away from package 20. Thus, it is seen that the improved device of this invention has retracting means defined as an integral part of its positioning means. It When lever 93 is thrown back cam follower 64 is on the high side of cam 70, nothing happens except reversing of air pressure in cylinder 75 because arm 45 and hence heat shoe 46 is already in its back position.

The lever 93 may comprise a pair of the actuating switch which stops and starts rotary movement of wheel 30 or may be operatively connected thereto by any suitable known means. Thus, upon stopping the entire apparat-us 28 and/or wheel 30 for any reason lever 93 is moved from the dotted line position to the solid line position 94 whereby switch 88 is deactuated causing switcher valve 84 to port air flow to cylinder 75 so that its rod end 76 is retracted and heat shoe 46 is retracted away from package 20 in the manner previously indicated.

Thus, it is seen that the provision of lever 93 which is operatively connected to the control device or switch which stops and starts rotary indexing movements of wheel 30 comprises the previously described means for automatically retracting arm 45 and heat shoe 46 at any time wheel 30 is stopped to thereby move arm 93 to position 94. This operative arrangement assures packaging machine 28 can be operated with optimum safety.

Also, it will be appreciated that in the event of loss of electrical power to machine 28 for any reason, the operation of switcher valve 84 is such that once again arm 45 and heat shoe 46 are automatically and immediately retracted as an added safety feature. This automatic retraction in the event of a power loss to machine 28 is possible due to the operation of valve 84 as previously described.

Device 44 also comprises track means shown as a track for supporting arms 45 and heat shoe 46 for substantially rectilinear movement. Track 100 has a dovetail projection 101 which is engaged by a cooperating channel 102. provided in block 52 which supports arm 45. As lever 60 is pivoted by cam 70 about pivot pin 66, end portion 61 of lever 60 and attached block 52 move back and forth along track 100 to thereby move arm 45 and heat shoe 46 fastened at its terminal end into and out of engagement with each blank 21 as it is indexed to the four oclock station.

It will be seen from the drawings that as lever 60 pivots about its pivot pin 66 it moves substantially through a small arc. Yet, it is preferred that the movement of folding and holding arm 45 be kept in a substantially rectilinear path. The previously mentioned lost motion mechanism 62 is operatively connected between upwardly extending portion 63 of block 52 and lower end portion 61 of lever 60. Mechanism 62 assures that block 52 and hence arm 45 moves smoothly along track 100 by compensating for the vertical component of arcuate motion that can not be transmitted horizontally along track 100. Lost motion mechanism 62 may be of any suitable known type and is preferably adjustable.

Thus, it is seen that cylinder 75 operates to pivot lever 60 about its pivot 66- causing surface 73 of cam follower 64 to engage cam surface 72 of eccentric oval cam 70. As previously mentioned cam 70 is rotated in accordance with the machine cycle or indexing sequence of wheel 30 and as a blank 21 which is to be formed to define a cigarette package is moved to the four oclock station, the low side of cam 70 rotates against cam follower 64 causing lever 60 to pivot about pin 66 and move heat shoe 46 at the terminal end of arm 45 into folding, holding, and heat sealing engagement against blank 21 as seen in FIGURES 7, 8 and 9.

Heated surface 48 of heat shoe 46 is held in engagement with end portion 25 of blank 21 for a sufficient time to provide an adequate heat seal, and clamping means 55 is moved into clamping position as previously mentioned. However, only a fraction of a second is required to move heat shoe 46 in position against end portion 25 while substantially simultaneously therewith an associated clamping device 55 is moved in position.

End portions 24 and 25 of each blank 21 are heat sealed together over an area which is determined by the area of heated surface 48. In this exemplary embodiment of the invention heated surface 48 has a Width as shown at 105 and length which extends completely across heat shoe 46. Heated surface 48 is heated in any suitable known manner. For example, electrical heating elements may be suitably embedded within heat shoe 46 adjacent surface 48 and provided with suitable control means to control the temperature of heated surface 48.

As seen in FIGURE 1 of the drawings, a clamping means or device 55 is provided at each of the twelve positions on wheel 30 and only a representative few have been designated by the numeral 55. The description will now proceed referring only to one clamping device 55; however, it will be appreciated that such description is fully applicable to each of the twelve clamping devices 55.

Clamping means 55 of this example is preferably in the form of an elongated bar which extends the full length of package to assure end portions 24 and 25 are firmly held together across such full length. Clamping bar 55 is actuated into clamping position by actuating means shown as an actuator 113 having a telescoping rod 114 extending therefrom. Clamping bar 55 is fixed to the terminal end of rod 114 in any suitable manner'and actuator 113 is suitably supported in a fixed manner on wheel structure by a bracket assembly 115. Each actuator 113 is carried by wheel 30 as it is indexed in a clockwise manner about its axis 31 and each actuator is energized independently yet in a cooperating manner with the movement of heat shoe 46 at the four oclock station.

Each U-shaped folding device 33 in this example of the invention is extended into folding position by associated actuating means or an actuator 120 having a telescoping rod end 121 which is suitably attached to folding device 33. A bracket 122 supports actuator 120 to wheel 30' in a fixed manner. Each arbor 32 is fixed about the periphery of wheel 30 at spaced apart intervals as previously mentioned. After each blank 21 is inserted between a cooperating arbor 32 and U-shaped device 33, an associated actuator 120 is actuated and such blank is folded around the three sides 34-36 of arbor 32.

Folding bar used to fold end portion 24 in position is also provided at the four oclock position together with multifunction device 44. Bar 40 is extended by an actuator 124 having a telescoping rod. end 125 which is suitably fastened to bar 40. Actuator 124 is supported independently of wheel 30.

Thus, as each blank 21 used to form a cigarette package 20 is indexed to the four oclock position, actuator 124 is actuated to fold end portion 24 in position against top wall 37 of arbor 32. With end portion 24 positioned against top surface 37, end portion 25 is folded and held in overlapping relation thereagainst by heat shoe 46 at the terminal end of arm 45.

With such end portions thus positioned, heated surface 48 of heat shoe 46 heat seals end portion 25 against end portion 24 as previously mentioned and substantially simultaneously with the heat sealing action, clamping bar 55 moves into engagement with overlapped end portions 24 and 25 of blank 31 While heat shoe 46 is still in holding and heat sealing engagement, see FIGURE 9. Arm and folding member 40 are then withdrawn as seen in FIGURE 10 and bar remains clamped in position until the twelve oclock position is reached, see FIGURE 2, and thereby enable heat sealed portion 24 and 25 to cool while being held firmly clamped to provide an improved bond therebetween. The completed package 20 is ejected at the twelve oclock position as previously mentioned.

As will be apparent from FIGURE 3 of the drawings, clamping bar 55 preferably has a resilient end portion or tip designated by the numeral 130. Resilient tip 130 is deformable and will conform with the adjoining outside surface of arbor 32, for example, its tOp surface 37. It will be appreciated that through wear and in the process of repetitive manufacture of cigarette packages 20 that top surface 37 of arbor 32 beneath heater bar may become slightly warped, or slightly deformed. By providing a resilient portion on clamping bar 55 the terminal end portions 24 and 25 are held in more positive overlapping relation to thereby provide an improved bond therebetween.

Thus, it is seen that apparatus 28 has improved multifunction device 44 which is of comparatively simple construction, operates with a simple motion, and has arm 45 (with heat shoe 46 at its terminal inner end) which effectively provides three functions with each reciprocating movement thereof toward end portion 25 of each blank 21 as each blank is indexed into position adjacent device 44. Arm 45 is moved so that end portion 25 is engaged by its heat shoe 46 and folded against an associated end portion 24, end portion 25 is then held for a suflicient time interval to allow clamping bar 55 to be moved in position and during such time interval heated surface 48 heat seals end portion 25 in position against end portion 24. The operation and movement of device 44 is rapid yet providing an adequate heat seal between end portions 24 and 25, whereby the entire apparatus 28 may be effectively speeded up to produce more packages 20.

In addition, once device 44 is properly set to operate at the proper time in the machine sequence, its relative simplicity of construction and effective combination of the previously described functions enables the entire apparatus 28 to be operated more efficiently.

Although in this example of the invention heated surface 48 is provided as a substantially planar heated surface, it will be appreciated that a heat shoe may be provided with suitable spaced apart heated surface means to provide spot heat sealing at spaced apart locations along overlapped end portions 24 and 25, if desired. Also, heated surface 48 may be kept heated in a continuous manner or merely suitably instantaneously heated when shoe 46 is in its heat sealing position.

To help provide more effective cooling of the heatsealed end portions, clamping bar 55 may employ means for circulating cooling fluid, such as cooling air, or the like, to carry away the heat. However, the surface area of clamping bar 55 is generally sufiicient to transfer enough heat to the surrounding air as wheel 30 moves to the twelve oclock position. Also, it may be desirable in some applications to provide extended heat transfer surfaces as an integral part of bar 55 to provide even better cooling without the provision of a separate cooling fluid.

The various actuators 113, 120, and 124 may be of any suitable type such as mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, or any suitable combination thereof to accomplish the actuating function. The sequence of actuation of such actuators, of cam 70, and of cylinder 75 is achieved in a sequential and controlled manner as determined by the operating cycle of apparatus 28 so that each of such actuating means moves its associated component into position at the proper time in the cycle.

Most of the various actuators of this disclosure have been shown as cylindrical and having telescoping rod ends. However, it is to be understood that such actuators may be of any suitable shape or size and driven by any suitable power source.

Terms such as top, bottom, sides, certain references to clock positions, and the like, have been used in this disclosure for ease of description and to correspond to the arrangement of component parts as shown in the drawings and such references are not to be considered as limiting the scope of this invention in any way.

Thus, it is seen that a simplified apparatus and method have been provided for economically producing improved heat sealed container means in large volume production and having an optimum bond between overlapped heat sealed end portions of such container means while providing such container means with minimum production interruption.

Further, this invention provides means assuring the production of a large quantity of packages with optimum safety.

While present exemplary embodiments of the invention, and methods of practicing the same, have been illustrated and described, it will be recognized that the invention may be otherwise variously embodied and practiced within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for forming container means from a 'blanlccomprising, a first folding device for folding one end portion of said blank, a multifunction device for folding the opposite end portion of said blank in overlapped relation against said one end portion and holding said end portions in position for a predetermined time interval, clamping means for engaging and clamping together said end portions during said time interval prior to withdrawal of said multifunction device, and heating means comprising said multifunction device for heat sealing said overlapped end portions together by heating a predetermined area thereof, whereby said multifunction device simultaneously holds and heat seals said overlapped end portions together during said predetermined time interval while substantially simultaneously said clamping means is moved into clamping position to enable withdrawal of said multifunction device, said clamping means holding the heat sealed end portions clamped together during cooling thereof to provide an improved bond therebetween.

2. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further comprising retracting means for automatically retracting said multifunction device at any time said apparatus is stopped.

3. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which said heating means comprises heat shoe means having a lower heated surface for engaging said overlapped end portions, said lower heated surface having an area corresponding to said predetermined area.

4. An apparatus as set forth in claim 3 further comprising, an indexing device having arbor means supported thereon, said arbor means having support surface means, and a second folding device for folding said blank around said arbor means prior to folding said end portions in overlapped relation against said support surface means, whereby said support surface means provides a stable clamping surface against which said end portions are folded, held during heat sealing, and clamped to provide an improved bond therebetween.

5. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which said multifunction device comprises, an arm having said heating means fixed to its terminal end, lever means having one end portion operatively connected to said arm, cam follower means mounted on the opposite end portion of said lever means, cam means rotatably driven at a fixed position adjacent said cam follower means, and positionmg means for positioning said cam follower means against said cam means, said positioning means comprising retracting means for automatically retracting said arm and heating means, whereby upon holding said cam follower means against said driven cam means with said positioning means said lever means moves said arm and hence said heating means to engage and fold said opposite end portion of said blank in position and then provide said simultaneous holding and heat sealing of said overlapped end portions and in the event said apparatus is stopped said retracting means immediately and automatically retracts said arm and heating means to a protected position.

6. An apparatus as set forth in claim 5 in which said lever means is pivotally mounted at a point between its end portions and said positioning means comprises pneumatic cylinder means operatively connected to said opposite end portion of said lever means adjacent said cam follower means, said cylinder means yieldingly urging said cam follower means against said cam means with a substantially constant force during normal operation of said apparatus and defining said retracting means upon stopping of said apparatus.

7. An apparatus as set forth in claim 6 in which said multifunction device further comprises control means for controlling theaction of said pneumatic cylinder means.

8. Pm apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further comprising, an indexing device having arbor means supported thereon, said arbor means being of generally rectangular sectional outline and having four supporting surface means, a second roughly U-shaped folding device supported on said indexing device and which is movable relative to said arbor means and cooperates therewith to simultaneously foldsaid blank around three of said four supporting surface means, said first folding device and said multifunction device being supported independently of said indexing device and adapted to fold and hold said opposite end portions in overlapped I relation against the fourth of said supporting surface means, and said heating means comprises heat shoe means having a lower heated surface for engaging said overlapped end portions, said lower heated surface having an area corresponding to said predetermined area.

9. An apparatus as set forth in claim 8 in which said multifunction device comprises, an arm having said heat shoe means fixed to its terminal end, lever means having one end portion operatively connected to said arm, cam follower means mounted on the opposite end portion of said lever means, cam means rotatably driven at a fixed position adjacent said cam follower means, and positioning means for positioning said cam follower means against said cam means, said positioning means comprising retracting means for automatically retracting said arm and heating means, whereby upon holding said cam follower mens against said driven cam means with said positioning means said lever means moves said arm and hence said heat shoe means to engage and fold said opposite end portion of said blank in position and then provide said simultaneous holding and heat sealing of said overlapped end portions and in the event said apparatus is stopped said retracting means immediately and automatically retracts said arm and heating means to a protected position.

10. An apparatus as set forth in claim 9 in which said clamping means has resilient clamping surface means which compensates for any imperfection of said fourth supporting surface means to assure a firm clamping action over said entire area.

11. A method of forming container means from a blank comprising the steps of, providing a first folding device, folding one end portion of said blank with. said first folding device, providing a multifunction device, folding the. opposite end portion of said blank in overlapped relation against said one end portion with said multifunction device and holding said opposite end portion in overlapped relation for a predetermined time interval, providing clamping means, engaging and clamping together said end portions with said clamping means during said time interval prior to withdrawal of said multifunction device, providing heating means as a part of said multifunction device, and heat sealing said overlapped end portions together with said heating means by heating a predetermined area thereof, whereby said multifunction device simultaneously holds and heat seals said overlapped end portions together during said predetermined time interval while substantially simultaneously said clamping means is moved into clamping position to enable withdrawal of said multifunction device, said clamping means holding the heat sealed end portions clamped together during cooling thereof to provide an improved bond therebetween.

12. The method as set forth in claim 11 comprising the further steps of providing retracting means and automatically retracting said multifunction device with said retracting means at any time said apparatus is stopped.

13. The method as set forth in claim 11 in which said step of providing heating means comprises providing heat shoe means having a lower heated surface and said heat sealing step comprises engaging said overlapped end portions with said lower heated surface, said lower heated surface having an area corresponding to said predetermined area.

14. The method as set forth in claim 11 comprising the further steps of providing an indexing device, providing arbor means having support surface means, mounting said arbor means on said indexing device, providing a second folding device, folding said blank around said arbor means first with said second folding device and then with said first folding device and said multifunction device to place said end portions in overlapped relation against said support surface means, whereby said support surface means provides a stable clamping surface against which said end portions are folded, held during heat sealing, and clamped to provide an improved bond therebetween.

15. The method as set forth in claim 14 in which said step of providing said multifunction device comprises the steps of, providing an arm having said heating means fixed to its terminal end, providing lever means, operatively connecting one end portion of said lever means to said arm, providing cam follower means, mounting said cam follower means on the opposite end portion of said lever means, providing cam means rotatably driven at a fixed position adjacent said cam follower means and adapted to be engaged by said cam follower means, providing positioning means which includes retracting means for automatically retracting said arm and heating means, and positioning said cam follower means against said cam means with said positioning means, whereby upon positioning and holding said cam follower means against said cam means with said positioning means said lever means moves said arm' and hence said heating means to engage and fold said opposite end portion of said blank in position and then provide said simultaneous holding and heat sealing of said overlapped end portions and in the event said apparatus is stopped said retracting means immediately and automatically retracts said arm and heating means to a protected position.

16. The method as set forth in claim 15 in which said step of providing lever means comprises providing said lever means pivotally mounted at a point between its end portions and said step of providing positioning means comprises providing an air cylinder means operatively connected to said opposite end portion of said lever means adjacent said cam follower means, said air cylinder means yieldingly urging said cam follower means against said cam means with a substantially constant force.

17. The method as set forth in claim 16 in which said step of providing said multifunction device comprises the further steps of providing control means, and controlling the action of said air cylinder means with said control means.

18. A multifunction device adapted to be used with an apparatus for forming container means from a blank, said device comprising, an arm having heating means fixed to its terminal end for heat sealing overlapped end portions of said blank together, lever means having one end portion operatively connected to said arm, cam follower means mounted on the opposite end portion of said lever means, cam means rotatably driven at a fixed position adjacent said cam follower means, and positioning means for positioning said cam follower means against said cam means, whereby upon holding said cam follower means against said driven cam means with said positioning means said lever means moves said arm and hence said heating means to engage and fold one end portion of said blank in overlapped relation against an associated opposite end portion, said heating means also simultaneously holding and heat sealing said end portions together.

19. The device as set forth in claim 18 in which said positioning means comprises retracting means for automatically retracting said arm and heating means, so that in the event said apparatus is stopped said retracting means immediately and automatically retracts said arm and heating means to a protected position.

20. The device as set forth in claim 19 further comprising pivot means arranged between the end portions of said lever means for supporting said lever means for pivoting movement and said positioning means comprises pneumatic cylinder means operatively connected to said opposite end portion of said lever means adjacent said cam follower means, said cylinder means yieldingly urging said cam follower means against said cam means with a substantially constant force during normal operation of said apparatus.

21. The device as set forth in claim 20 in which said cam follower means comprises a cam roller rotatably mounted on said opposite end portion and further comprising control means for controlling the action of said pneumatic cylinder means.

22. The device as set forth in claim 20 further comprising control means for controlling the action of said pneumatic cylinder means, and support means for supporting said arm during movement thereof, whereby said driven cam means pivots said lever means about said pivot means causing said cam follower means to engage said cam means and thereby move said arm relative to its support means and enable said heating means at its terminal end to provide a folding, holding and heat sealing function during said normal operation and in the event said apparatus is stopped said control means causes said pneumatic cylinder to retract said arm and heating means to said protected position.

23. The device as set forth in claim 22 in which said support means comprises track means for supporting said arm and its heating means for substantially rectilinear movement and said device further comprises a lost motion mechanism operatively connected between said arm and said one end portion of said lever, said lost motion mechanism assuring movement of said arm is substantially rectilinear.

24. The device as set forth in claim 23 in which said pneumatic cylinder means comprises an air cylinder and said control means comprises, an air switcher valve which supplies air under regulated pressure to either one side or the other of said air cylinder, electric switch means for controlling air flow through said air switcher valve, and thus to said one side or the other of said air cylinder, and means operatively connected to said switch means and to said apparatus so that upon stopping said apparatus said electric switch means causes said switcher valve to supply air to said cylinder to operate said retracting means portion thereof and automatically retract said arm and heating means to said protected position.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,136,990 11/ 1938 Daller.

2,179,685 11/1939 Chalmers 93- 12 X 2,480,176 8/1949 Zinn 9312 X 3,311,034 3/1967 Whitaker 9344.1 3,370,399 2/1968 Egleston 93-44.1 X

WAYNE A. MORSE, JR., Primary Examiner.

U.S. Cl. X.R. 9344.1 

